Lashkar-e-Toiba behind attack on Amarnath Yatris; Pakistani terrorist Ismail mastermind: J&K IGP Muneer Khan

The security forces investigating the dastardly terror attack on Amarnath Yatris have confirmed the role Pakistan-based terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Toiba in the incident.

Srinagar: The security forces investigating the dastardly terror attack on Amarnath Yatris have pointed to the role of Pakistan-based terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Toiba behind the incident.

Though, LeT has categorically refused to take responsibility for the gruesome attack, the investigations so far have indicated towards its involvement in the incident.

Investigators also suspect it to be a joint operation of the Lashkar-e-Toiba and the Hizbul Mujahideen.

Talking to reporters, Muneer Khan, Jammu and Kashmir, IGP, said, ''Attack on Amaranth was pilgrims carried out by LeT.''

We have also identified the mastermind behind the attack. He is a Pakistani terrorist Ismail. We are trying to obtain more leads in this regard, Khan added.

At least seven people were killed and several others were seriously inured when a bus carrying pilgrims was attacked by a group of heavily armed militants around 8.30 pm on Monday.

Prior to that an armoured car of the police was also attacked. When police returned fire, terrorists started shooting indiscriminately. 

According to a top state government official, the pilgrims killed belonged to Gujarat. 

This is the first terrorist attack on Amarnath pilgrims. 

The bus carrying pilgrims from Sonmarg were on their way back, after visiting the Amarnath shrine. 

Police claimed the bus driver had disregarded the guideline that pilgrims' vehicle should not ply on the highway after 7 pm. The Jammu-Srinagar Highway was shut down and a manhunt was launched.